MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan (Nov. 29, 2016) -- Reading about history is different than experiencing it firsthand.
The Hakuhodo film crew may not have been in World War II, but they experienced its history while filming a public relations promotion video for the Japan Maritime Self- Defense Force at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Nov. 29, 2016.
The JMSDF public affairs team escorted the film crew around base to attain the footage they needed. The JMSDF wanted to show the public they are active in the community and the video was a way to see that.
“It’s to better the image of the JMSDF,” said Petty Officer Third Class Kishi, a broadcaster with JMSDF. “It’s to show the public that we are more than a fighting force.”
One of the stops for their video was the Zero Hangar, the last standing hangar from World War II that holds the only Type Zero Carrier Fighter replica.
“The Zero Hangar is very unique to MCAS Iwakuni.” said JMSDF Lt. Cmdr. Kiyoshoi Saito, the public relations officer with Fleet Air Wing 31, “It has a very powerful presence because of its history and we wanted to capture that.”
Pictures displayed throughout the hangar tell the story of the fighter replica. Dust lines each photo frame, proving time has passed and relationships have grown.
The United States and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force work together and strengthen relationships through drills and exercises, but they also get involved in the community and visit places like the Zero Hangar.
“It’s a great honor to visit the Zero Hangar,” said Kishi. “It’s touching because it’s shows that we share the same values with Americans.”